The Ten Costliest Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Stephanie Younger

1. Overpricing to “leave room to negotiate”

Starting too high turns buyers off before they ever walk through the door. Most buyers aren’t trained to negotiate — they treat home prices like a price tag.

Tip: SYG uses real-time market data to price homes accurately from Day 1 and educates buyers on pricing strategies to maximize offers.

2. Skipping quality staging

Millennials and Gen Z — today’s largest buyer groups — expect design-forward spaces. They’ve been raised on HGTV and want move-in-ready homes. Poor or outdated staging makes homes feel like a project, not a dream.

Tip:
SYG taps into its in-house project management team and top local designers to deliver fresh, on-trend staging at great rates.

3. Neglecting curb appeal

Unkempt lawns, peeling paint, or cluttered yards send the wrong message: “This house needs work.” First impressions matter — and they start at the sidewalk.

Tip:
Our project management team brings in landscapers and curb appeal experts to refresh your home's exterior and create that "wow" moment.

4. Ignoring small repairs

Leaky faucets, chipped tile, or flickering lights signal bigger issues to buyers. These little problems can raise red flags about overall maintenance.

Tip:
SYG coordinates licensed, budget-friendly pros to tackle all those delayed repairs before buyers ever step inside.

5. Leaving clutter and personal items

Too much furniture, personal photos, or pet odors can make it hard for buyers to picture themselves living in your home.

Tip: 
We assist with decluttering, storage solutions, and even moving prep to create a clean, welcoming space.

6. Using the wrong lead photo

Dark, bland, or poorly composed photos are a fast track to being overlooked online. And not every home needs a front-exterior lead image — highlight what makes your property shine.

Tip:
SYG listings feature pro photography, cinematic video, and virtual tours that highlight your home’s best features and natural light.

7. Going FSBO or hiring the wrong agent

The wrong agent (or no agent) can cost you thousands. From poor pricing to missed legal details, it’s a risky move in today’s market.

Tip:
Work with a seasoned local agent who has marketing power, negotiation skill, and access to active buyers in your area.

8. Limiting showings

If buyers can’t see the home on their schedule, they’ll skip it. Inflexible showing windows = missed opportunities.

Tip:
Offer broad availability, including evenings and weekends. Let your agent host showings to maximize traffic.

9. Letting emotions get in the way

Taking low offers personally or resisting feedback can derail a deal. Remember — buyers are shopping in a market, not judging your memories.

Tip:
Stay open to your agent’s insights and market feedback. Objectivity can mean the difference between sold and stale.

10. Poor timing

Listing during holidays or big events means fewer eyeballs and slower foot traffic. Timing matters — and a well-executed launch can drive competition.

Tip:
Avoid launching around major holiday weekends. Let your agent help you plan for maximum exposure.

Selling your home is both a business decision and a marketing campaign — SYG helps you get both right. Want to know how your home compares? Let’s talk.

 

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In 2023, the Stephanie Younger Group sold more homes than any other agent or team in the city of Los Angeles, and in 2024, was recognized as a top team in California by sales volume in the RealTrends The Thousand list.

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